Forbidden Love: Dangerous Addiction

BRUCE RYKER MANSION

"Start working from one of our companies and build your experience. Adkins will drive you down to Sydney. Director Abboth is aware you are coming."

"But father..."

"One day you will lead this company, one day you will lead this Group. You will do more than waste your time if you are really serious about leading this group. I will not hand over the company I have worked hard for many years building into someone like you!" Bruce Ryker barked at his son.

Roland tried to say another word but stopped when his father shot him a stern look. One that said his decision was final.

Bruce Ryker let out a disgruntled sigh. Sometimes when he looked at his son, he wished he was half as good as the other sons of wealthy men. Men that weren't even as wealthy as he was produced hard working sons willing to lead their companies.

But his own son? He shook his head and his teeth gritted against the corners of his mouth. He has no interest in the company, does nothing aside partying and flexing around.

"Mr Chairman, you have a call," Mr Ralph, Chairman Bruce Ryker's personal assistant, came forward and handed him a ringing phone. "It's the director from the new office," Mr Ralph added.

Chairman Bruce collected the phone from him and started out of the large living room.

Roland swallowed the rest of his words as he watched his father hurried out while speaking into the phone until his voice became distant. Times like this he knew he couldn't win his father. His father was too stubborn.

Unfortunately, that was one trait he took from him.

But Roland knew that even if he went to Sydney, he would barely do any work. It was of course certain his father would put up spies to watch him.

He smirked at the thought of it. He always had his way around this kind of situation.

"Young master, should I have one of the servants pack your bags?" The butler asked Ronald.

"No, I will get some new clothes over there." He yawned tiredly and got to his feet.

"Yes sir," the butler nodded.

"Erm, chief butler, you have a son right?"

"Yes, young master. Actually, I have two sons." The man said. The pride in his voice couldn't have been missed.

Roland nodded thoughtfully. "See if the clothes will fit and hand them over to them."

"Urh, sir... I can't do that. I'm sure the clothes are very expensive... and they are a lot. I'm sorry Young master but I can't do that. And if the chairman hears about it, I'm sure he will not be. pleased."

"Come on, chief butler, don't make me look bad. I'm sure the clothes are not that expensive for your sons to wear. If it's a lot, share them among the other servants."

Roland flashed him a smile before he walked to his room.

Once inside his room, he let out a chunk of air and collapsed into his bed. He heard a crack sound. In the midst of wondering what had made the crack sound, he realised it was the picture frame he had left on the bed that just broke.

He jumped up and gathered the pieces of the frame. Thankfully it was only the glass that broke. The picture was still intact. He breathed in relief and ran his fingers delicately on it. It was a picture of a young looking woman. Anyone could see the picture was old and had been taken many years ago.

Roland stared longer at the picture, longingly before he then tucked it into his wallet, lay on the bed and shut his eyes.

Minutes later, there was a light rap on the door and the chief butler entered. With him was a list of female servants that filed up in the room.

"Young master, will you have your bath before you leave? The car is ready to take you to Sydney as the chairman ordered. " the chief butler announced.

Roland's eyes fluttered open.

"I already had my bath." Once he said that, the chief butler signalled the servants to leave.

"I will be out in a moment," Roland added and shut his eyes again. He just needed another moment of silence. Just another moment to daydream and hope that someday his dream would come to reality.

*************

"Sir, should I inform him you are waiting..."

Roland held up his hand stopping the words from Adkin's mouth from further coming out.

His eyes were focused at the door from which an almost heated conversation was going on.

"You can't fire me because of my daughter, Director Abboth. I have given my best to this company and you know it. I have toiled for this company to the best of my ability and you know what? I don't regret any of it but you can't wake up one day and decide to fire me because I am a single mother!"

"We are doing this for your own best interest.Your daughter needs you..."

"Did my daughter tell you that? That I don't give her attention? Director Abboth, give me a chance to prove myself. To prove my skills. My daughter has never been an obstruction to my work..."

"I'm sorry but the decision has been made, unfortunately, Miss Tiffany. But I assure you, I will pay you enough money for compensation."

"What? Compensation? I don't need any of that. I just want to work with my skills and abilities. I don't need freebies from anyone. I just want to work for myself and my daughter..."

Her voice trailed off shakily.

For a moment, the conversation stopped and Roland didn't hear another sound from the office.

But seconds later, the door opened and a woman stormed out of the place furiously.

Roland managed to catch a glimpse of her face as she stormed away. She looked furious alright but she looked nothing like a woman that had given birth. She looked beautiful. He admitted. He watched her until she was out of sight. There was something about her, something that oddly fascinated him. Maybe it was her firm voice and the determination to earn a living for herself and her daughter in an honest manner. Something he couldn't quite put his fingers on.

Adkins went inside the office and a second later Director Abboth was dashing out of the office hurriedly.

"Forgive me sir, I had no idea you were waiting. I should have had my secretary let you in at once."

Roland ignored Director Abboth and strided into the office. His hands were buried into the pocket of his pants stylishly as he regarded the exquisite office.

"Sir, is there anything you would want me to get for you?" Director Abboth asked, almost cowering.

To him, this was a rare chance. Meeting the heir to Ryker Group. What better way could he butter his way to the top, to the headquarters even.

"The lady that just left..." Roland started. He was looking at a painting that caught his eyes.

"Ah, I'm sorry you had to witness such a moment sir. She was a staff member here but unfortunately we had to let her go."

"Let her go? Why?" Roland glanced at Director Abbott. He felt the painting with his finger. "Nice painting you got here," he mumbled. "And new too," he added with a light chuckle.

"Er, yes... yes sir..." Director Abboth stuttered, shifting uncomfortably on his feet. Amidst the air-conditioned room, beads of sweat formed in his forehead. "She is a divorcee and has a daughter," he added.

"Ah, a divorcee and a single mother..." Roland said and glanced at him again. He chuckled and finally turned away from the painting.

Roland's movement had fear gripping Director Abbott. And he wondered if Roland could tell the story behind the painting.

"If I heard correctly, her personal life has nothing to do with her work. Why then do you wish to lay her off... urh, I guess you found someone to take her place..."

"No sir! I can't dare do that."

"Yes? Is that so?" Roland tilted his head at him. And peered at him, longer. Then he looked away.

"I wonder what will be the reaction of the Chairman if he learns that one of his dedicated workers is being unjustly laid off... for a piece of fine painting..."

Director Abboth froze.

"I'm sorry sir... this will never happen again," he whimpered.

Roland looked at him and scoffed. He had made a rough guess and laid a reckless trap but had no idea it would actually catch Director Abbott.

People like Director Abbott disgusted him. They would do anything to be at the top. When they are finally at the top, they never did anything right but embezzle funds and engage in nepotism.

But, it was never in his nature to get involved in people's life

His face broke into a wide smirk. "No, it's okay, it's okay. I am not that rigid, you know."

He patted Director Abbott's shoulder before he started to head out of the office. "I will be back tomorrow, then. You don't have to see me out." he called behind him as he started out of the office.

"Ah, and," Roland stopped just a foot from the door. He looked behind him to meet Director Abbott's face. "This should stay between us," he said and finally walked out of the office.

Director Abboth heaved out a heavy sigh and collapsed into his seat the moment the door shut.

He wasn't sure if having the chairman's son around was a good thing anymore.

How was he able to sniff out everything within a few minutes of being in his office?

He already made inquiries about him. He still recalled they told him he hated to get involved in other people's lives and didn't care about anyone. A typical rich brat.

What changed?

He wondered if perhaps he had heard wrongly.

Then he stood up and went to the painting.

"Oh my precious..." he muttered sadly, running his hands on the painting.

"That rude bastard. When did he become so cunning?" He gritted angrily.

Adkins was driving Roland back home after they left Ryker Fashion company in Sydney.

"Stop the car!" Roland blurted out of nowhere.

Because it had come suddenly, Adkins hastily hit the brake pad causing the tires of the car to screech noisily against the tarred road.

"Is there something you forgot, sir?" Adkins asked, slightly shaken from the sudden order.

"Go back and pull over at the bus stop," Roland told him. He was sure he saw her just now. The lady that Director Abbott laid off. What was her name again? He thought for a while and finally he recalled hearing Director Abbott called her Tiffany.

She was looking downcast. Roland felt oddly concerned about her. She bothered him and he hated it when something or someone bothered him.

He had to see her up close. Roland was sure if he did, then he would see she was just like all other girls. His curiosity would have been satisfied then and he would see that there wasn't anything actually special about her.

Adkins reversed the car and finally pulled over in front of the bus stop.

Roland got down from the car and walked over to where Tiffany was seated on the bench.

He lowered himself on the waiting bench next to her.

What the fuvk am I doing? Roland sighed inwardly. He couldn't believe he was the one seated in a bus stop, worried about someone he barely knew.

"Urhm!" He cleared his throat. "You need a ride? I could have my driver take you home or anywhere you wished to go...Seems it would take a while before the next bus would arrive."

Tiffany had noticed someone taking up the seat next to her but she had been so engrossed in her own worries to care who it was.

"Thanks for the offer but I'm not interested," she finally said after a long silence.

"Uh, I guess I was too forward. I'm harmless. I thought you looked a little sad. Actually I'm not very good at consoling anyone..." He stood and walked to his car where he retrieved a bottle of water from the car.

"Here, water?" He offered her.

She glanced at the water he was holding out to her, dug her hand into a bag beside her and took out a bottle of water.

"I have mine."

"Oh," Roland said. She was tougher than he had expected. But her toughness endeared her to him and made him more curious about her.

By the time she finished drinking the water, a bus had arrived and she got in.

Roland watched the bus drive off before he got back into the car. He couldn't stop thinking about Tiffany. There was something about her that made him curious about her. Something mysterious and yet alluring at the same time.

"Urhm, Adkins, have Director Abboth send me the files for her and tell him to prepare my office. I will be resuming work immediately."

"Huh..." Adkins was surprised. He had to look through the rearview at his boss. He couldn't believe he easily agreed to start working just like that.

"By her, you mean..." he was saying but his eyes happened to jam that of Roland through the rearview. And he didn't wait for him to reply for the answer to his intending question to pop up in his head.

"Of course sir. I will have him do that," he said and focused back on the road.

***************

SYDNEY

RYKER FASHION COMPANY

"There's a new boss?" A chubby average lady chattered with two other ladies. Her eyes danced in excitement.

"Gosh! He is so freaking handsome!" The second lady exclaimed. She wrapped her hands around her body in an embrace and grinned dreamily.

"Did you hear, he is the heir to Ryker Group. He is the chairman's son." the third girl added, making a futile effort to keep her voice low.

"Incredible! I hope he falls in love with me and sends me to the headquarters in Australia. I have always wanted to work at Ryker Group Headquarters." The second girl said dreamily.

"Director Abbott will be very busy in the days to come. Buttering up the chairman's son to receive favour from the chairman."

They all laughed but then they heard Director Abbott's office open, they scattered and quickly scampered back to their respective duty posts.

Tiffany had overheard her fellow workers go on and on about this new boss that just joined them.

She had heard of the chairman's son joining them but hadn't met him yet. It seemed everyone was already interested in him even before his arrival.

She wondered what he was like. He would most likely be like the arrogant rich pompous kids without manners.

"Whatever," she shrugged and mumbled under her breath.

It wasn't supposed to be her cup of tea. She only had to focus on work. It was only a miracle that she was reinstated in her position. She couldn't say what suddenly made director Abboth to change his mind but Tiffany was grateful to whatever it was.

She needed the job at least until she could get a better one but she knew there probably weren't any better companies out there like Ryker company. She needed the job to take care of herself and her daughter.

She let out a sigh and got back to work.

"Miss Tiffany, do you have the report ready?" Miss Medline, head of the sales representatives, came over to her desk.

Tiffany looked up from her computer. "Urh, not yet."

"Oh-oh, what are we going to do?" Medline said and folded her arms thoughtfully. "I need to go to the sales showroom and I need the report..."

"It's fine Medline. I will handle that," Tiffany said.

"Really? Oh my God Miss Tiffany. You are the best! I didn't want to miss when Director Abboth would introduce the new hot director so I was hesitant to go there."

Miss Medline couldn't hide his excitement. She grabbed Tiffany's hands and squeezed in appreciation before she hurried back to her seat.

Tiffany quickly rounded up the sales report, printed it out and started out of the office to the sales showroom.

"Please hold! She squealed as she practically ran over to the elevator that was on the verge of shutting.

Apparently if she missed it she will have to wait for another minute to catch the next one. Luckily the elevator was held for her.

"Oh, thank you," she said, panting from the run as she got into the elevator. It was almost filled to the brim and packed with people. She would have considered waiting for the next turn but she knew she had no time.

She managed to squeeze herself into the remaining tiny space. The air felt so tight and she could barely breathe. Tiffany realised she was trapped in between two fat men. Their bulged stomach poked her as they breathed in and out.

Tiffany let her body stiffen together. She inhaled but didn't release her breath. She regretted not taking the next turn.

Suddenly she felt a hand grab her and before she could say jack, she felt her back slap hard against the elevator walls.

"Ouch!" She almost groaned but a hand had already flown over her mouth muffling her groan.

Tiffany felt a figure tower over her. She looked up to meet a pair of dark blue eyes staring down at her. For a moment, she got hooked and without even knowing she stared back.

"Do you like what you see?"

Tiffany heard a deep voice say and she jolted.

"Erm!" She coughed, hanging her head low. She tried to wriggle away but then discovered that the tall and broad body of the figure shielded her from other people in the elevator.

Could it be that she saw her discomfort between the two fat men? She wondered for a moment.

She wanted to look up at him again but stopped herself.

"Seeing how energetic you are, you must be in a good mood today," Ronald bent and whispered into her ears.

She had seen her enter the elevator and noticed how uncomfortable she was in-between the two fat men. He couldn't bear to watch it and acted on impulse.

She almost shivered at the sound of his deep voice. He was very close to her. Too close she could inhale his scent. Musky vanilla cologne drifted into her nostrils.

Thankfully the elevator creaked and opened.

The people sauntered hurriedly out except the figure before her.

"Can you move, the elevator has stopped," Tiffany said.

"Oh right," Roland said and stepped away.

Tiffany started out of the elevator.

"No thanks? Well, that's by the way. How are you today?" She heard him ask her and stopped in her tracks. Next she turned and faced him.

"Do I know..." Tiffany was saying when the familiarity in the face struck her.

She scoffed in sheer surprise.

"You, did you follow me here?"

"Me? Would you believe me if I said I actually ain't someone that would do that."

He sounded like all these rich snobs and Tiffany hated his guts.

"What do you want from me?"

"Well, I don't know. I'm just... curious about you. But believe me I had no idea I would bump into you in the elevator. It's the first for me. It's quite strange. I never get curious about anyone nor have I ever been interested in someone's life."

"Well, how about you channel your curiosity somewhere else. Because I too have no intention of investing my time in you," Tiffany said, rolled her eyes with irritation and started walking away.

"Are you sure about that?" Roland called after her.

He watched her until she disappeared out of sight.

He dug his nails into his thick hair and scratched.

Who exactly is this woman?

No woman had ever stared at his face without melting on their feet. How could she ignore him like she didn't just see his handsome face?

The more she ignored him, the more he wanted to get into her space, the more his curiosity about her piqued.

"Sir, did you forget something?" Adkins asked behind him.

Roland exhaled slowly, smacked his lip together and slipped his hands into his pockets.

"It's nothing, let's go."

"Everyone! I know we all are busy with work and all that. But there is something more important... Well, there are other important things too. Okay, I have a new personality with us. Our new director, Mr Roland Ryker. Let's welcome him!" Director Abbott gestured for hand clapping as he introduced Roland to the staff members of Ryker Fashion Company. His gesture was met with questioning looks from the staff members. When he looked behind his shoulder, there was no sight of Roland.

"Where did he go?" He looked around in surprise.

He was about to step out to find out what happened when the door opened and Ronald stepped in.

"Director Abboth, there was no need for this grand introduction. Well, erm, I hope we work together to make Ryker Fashion Company, Sydney, to become the best."

Finally the staff clapped.

The staff, one after the other, offered their welcome greetings. Ronald pasted a forced smile on his face.

"Welcome Director Roland, I am Miss Melinda, head of the sales representative. We are glad to have you here with us." Melinda extended her hand for a shake and Ronald took it.

Some other top executives came forward and offered their greetings too. But Roland's eyes were elsewhere.

His eyes scanned around the room through the faces of the different workers that came forward. But none matched the face of the woman he had his interest on.

"Okay, that's all for the greetings. Now let's get back to work." Director Abbott said and shushed the workers off. The way they grinned and stared at Roland was so glaring and was almost getting on his nerves. Especially the females. They had never looked at him in that manner before.

"Damn this bastard! He get all the looks and wealth and now the ladies!" He cussed under this breath.

"Director Abbott? Don't you think I need to familiarise myself with the office. And also I would like to have a look at the showroom," Roland said, stopping in his tracks on his way out.

"Ah, I was coming to that. Who would like to show Director Roland...?"

Before Director Abbott could finish, half of the staff had lined up offering to show him around.

"Director Roland, it seems they all want to show you around. How about you make your pick?" Director Abbott said flashing the staff silent cold look.

"Oh, then I must choose..."

Nervous anticipating faces starred up at him. And Roland's finger hovered above the heads of the anticipating faces.

At the same time, the door opened and Tiffany walked in.

"Director Abbott, how about she show me around?"

His hand moved and finally settled on Tiffany the moment she walked in. Every single eye in the room settled on her.

Tiffany stopped in her tracks, confused.

"Urh, well fine. Miss Tiffany, this is Director Roland and he will be working with us. Show him around the place." Director Abbott said petulantly.

Tiffany looked at the new director she was to show around.

"Urh..." she gasped. But before she could say another word, Roland motioned towards the door.

"Miss Tiffany, shall we?" He said and winked. Then he started out the door.

Tiffany nearly tumbled against her heels as she followed after him.

She couldn't believe the guy with the pretty eyes she met at the elevator was her new boss.

"Shoot!" She cussed under breath as she hastened to match his pace.

When they were away from the peering and inquisitive eyes of the staff members, Tiffany stopped walking. Roland noticed and stopped walking too.

"Why didn't you say you were the new director? So you could have fun teasing me?"

"Urh, I didn't think you would but I guess you remembered me. I thought you wouldn't, considering you refused my harmless offer."

Tiffany let out an exasperated breath. She was right. She had been right about him all along. He was nothing but a rich arrogant prat. Unfortunately she wasn't about to waste her energy on people like him.

"How about we pretend we never met and just work?"

Roland made a face. "Wait, don't tell me you are thinking I came here for something other than work?"

Tiffany's eyes widened. "What?"

He approached her, closing up the distance between them.

"Earlier on, you seemed to have so much interest in my face," he said, lowering his lips to whisper the words into her ears. "Don't tell me you are already thinking of something else to do with me other than work...perhaps..."

Tiffany gulped roughly and bit down on her lower lip. She felt her legs go jittery. His breath had fanned her neck while he spoke and now all of the hairs on her neck stood erect. Once again his scent escaped into her nose causing this strange stir inside of her. She forced herself to look up and catch a glimpse of his broad chest. She imagined what it would be like to bury her face in it.

Fuvk, Tiffany...

She quickly took a step back.

"Stop it," she said.

"Stop what?" He asked in surprise.

"Don't... don't get too close to me."

"Why? Are you scared you would fall for me if I get any closer?"

She opened her mouth to speak. She wanted to yell at him, to tell him to shut his mouth and that there was no way she was ever falling in love with another man, let alone a man like him. But words refused to come out. Like bubbles they clouded her throat.

He took another step forward, closing up the distance between them again. His face inched closer and closer to her lips.

Tiffany felt her heart begin to race.

How is it that nothing her head told her was she able to do? She had to leave his space. She knew she had to run away that instant. But her unyielding legs stood rooted to the spot.

"Tell me, Tiffany, do you really want me to not get too close to you?" His raspy voice breathed.

Intense sensations travelled down her thighs. She wanted to grip onto something lest she fell but more importantly she wanted to taste the lips that were whispering those words to her.

She bit her lips hoping it was enough to stop the rebellious feeling clouding her sense of reasoning that moment.

"Miss Tiffany?"

Someone called and immediately Tiffany flinched and shoved Roland away from her front.

"Oh, Hi Sam," she said nervously. Sam was one of the sales representatives that worked in the showroom where the products of the Ryker brand were displayed and sold.

"I'm sorry... I hope I wasn't interrupting anything?" Sam asked, glancing at Roland.

"Of course not!" Tiffany chuckled awkwardly and shot Roland a glare.

"Miss Tiffany, You are on your way to the show room right?" Sam asked.

"Urhm, actually... him."

Tiffany pointed at Roland.

Roland gave her a what-are-you-trying-to-do kind of look which she ignored and continued.

"Oh Sam, he is the new director, Director Roland Ryker. How about you do me a favour and show him around the showroom. I just remembered I have a report to round up before the next hour."

The name Ryker rang in Sam's head.

Then her eyes widened and met Tiffany's. Tiffany nodded at her in confirmation to her suspicion.

Sam was flustered.

"Oh sure, why not. Welcome Director Roland. I will be more than pleased to show you around the office," Sam said almost breathlessly.

Tiffany saw the slight displeasure in Roland's face. She smiled victoriously and started heading back to her office.

As she headed back to the office, she thought about what happened a while ago.

She stopped and sighed in frustration. She was mad at herself. How could she have let herself be swayed by another man.

She admitted she almost lost her restraint back there but swore to never let that happen again. No matter the level of closeness they got or how pretty their eyes were, men were off limits to her. She quickly brushed it off. Perhaps it was because she hadn't laid a man for so long.

She let out a soft sigh and took a deep breath. That could wait. Soon she would have all the men she wanted in the world with no strings attached.

Tiffany saw two women gossiping about a woman standing some distance away. The woman talked looked worried as if she was expecting someone.

Tiffany wasn't one to listen to people's conversations but she found herself stopping and her ears twitching to hear.

"See, she is waiting for her bastard son. I heard she divorced her husband for no reason," One of the two women said.

Her tone was bitter and laced with displeasure.

"She looks so old when she is barely fourty!" The second woman spat and her face wrinkled in disgust.

But then a boy appeared and hugged the woman tight. The woman's face lit up.

Tiffany watched them embrace themselves in a tight hug. Her eyes watered and she swallowed painfully. She saw herself in the woman. She was strong even when she knew and heard people gossip about her. She knew that for her son's sake, she had to keep going even when she had no more strength.

The woman and her son reminded Tiffany so much about herself that the memories of her past came rearing up in her head.